The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II, a five-door SUV produced between 1992 and 1998, represented Vauxhall’s entry into the growing sport utility vehicle market. While not widely recognized in the United States, the Monterey was a significant vehicle in the United Kingdom and Europe, offering a blend of off-road capability and family practicality. It was based on the Isuzu Trooper/Bighorn, a result of collaboration between General Motors (Vauxhall’s parent company) and Isuzu. The Mk II iteration brought refinements to the original Monterey, focusing on improved comfort and features, though it largely retained the robust mechanical underpinnings of its predecessor.
Vauxhall Monterey Mk II: Overview and Market Position
The Monterey Mk II occupied a niche between traditional estate cars and more rugged off-road vehicles. It aimed to provide the space and versatility of a large family car with the added ability to tackle challenging terrain. In a European market increasingly interested in SUVs, the Monterey competed with vehicles like the Land Rover Discovery and Mitsubishi Pajero. Its appeal lay in its relatively affordable price point compared to more premium offerings, and its reputation for reliability, stemming from its Isuzu origins. The Monterey was marketed towards families and individuals needing a vehicle capable of both everyday commuting and occasional off-road adventures.
Engine & Performance
The Monterey Mk II was primarily powered by a 3.2-liter V6 gasoline engine, designated the 6VD1. This naturally aspirated engine produced 177 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque at 3750 rpm. The engine featured multi-port fuel injection and a 24-valve configuration, contributing to a reasonable power output for its displacement. Power per liter was rated at 55.9 hp/l. The engine was coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to all four wheels via a permanent all-wheel-drive system. This drivetrain configuration provided enhanced traction in various conditions. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 10.7 seconds, while 0-60 mph was achieved in approximately 10.2 seconds. The Monterey Mk II had a maximum speed of 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The weight-to-power ratio was 10.7 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio was 7.3 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Monterey Mk II presented a traditional SUV silhouette, characterized by a boxy shape and a relatively high ground clearance. It was available with five or seven seats, offering flexibility for larger families. The body-on-frame construction contributed to its durability and off-road capability. Inside, the Monterey Mk II offered a functional, if somewhat utilitarian, interior. Features included power steering, central locking, and electric windows. Safety features, while limited by the standards of the early 1990s, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The vehicle’s dimensions were substantial, measuring 4343 mm (170.98 in) in length, 1745 mm (68.7 in) in width, and 1840 mm (72.44 in) in height. The wheelbase was 2760 mm (108.66 in). Approach, departure, and ramp-over angles of 40°, 31°, and 25° respectively, highlighted its off-road intentions. A wading depth of 600 mm (23.62 in) further enhanced its all-terrain capabilities.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Monterey |
| Generation | Monterey Mk II (5 dr) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2 V6 24V (177 Hp) 4×4 Automatic |
| Start of production | 1992 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 18.1 l/100 km (13 US mpg, 15.6 UK mpg, 5.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg, 24.8 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 15.6 l/100 km (15.1 US mpg, 18.1 UK mpg, 6.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 177 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 55.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 3750 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | 6VD1 |
| Engine displacement | 3165 cm3 (193.14 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.8 l (9.3 US qt | 7.74 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1900 kg (4188.78 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2600 kg (5732.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 700 kg (1543.24 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 3000 kg (6613.87 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4343 mm (170.98 in.) |
| Width | 1745 mm (68.7 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2040 mm (80.31 in.) |
| Height | 1840 mm (72.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 40° |
| Departure angle | 31° |
| Ramp-over angle | 25° |
| Climb angle | 37° |
| Wading depth | 600 mm (23.62 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 245/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, provided a practical and capable SUV option for European buyers in the 1990s. Its blend of space, off-road ability, and affordability contributed to its moderate success in a rapidly expanding market segment. Its legacy lies in its role as an early example of Vauxhall’s foray into the SUV world, paving the way for future models like the Antara and Mokka.
